A Funding Boost for a Visionary Platform
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is in the midst of an unprecedented boom, driven by the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 development plan and a $3 trillion infrastructure program. Against this backdrop, Riyadh-based start-up BRKZ has announced the successful closure of its Series A funding round, securing an additional $8 million in equity. This brings the total Series A funding to $17 million, with the company also raising an additional $1 million in debt finance, taking the total funding raised by BRKZ to $22.5 million. This fresh injection of capital underscores investor confidence in the platform’s ability to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s construction surge, with massive projects like Neom, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and the World Expo 2030 reshaping the kingdom’s landscape.
Ibrahim Manna, founder and CEO of BRKZ, emphasizes the transformative potential of these projects, stating, “Many people don’t understand the magnitude of what’s happening in Saudi Arabia right now. The scale of these initiatives is enormous, and BRKZ is uniquely positioned to support this growth by addressing a critical need in the construction sector.” With its innovative online procurement platform, BRKZ is bridging a significant gap in the industry by connecting contractors with suppliers of raw materials, transport, and logistics providers. This streamlined approach is set to revolutionize the way construction projects are executed in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Revolutionizing Construction Procurement
BRKZ’s platform is designed to address the fragmentation that plagues the construction industry. Despite its significance, the sector remains highly fragmented, with thousands of small firms operating on both the contracting and supplier sides. BRKZ’s solution is an online marketplace where contractors can post their material requirements, and suppliers can bid to fulfill those needs. The platform also integrates transport and logistics providers, ensuring seamless delivery and fulfillment. This end-to-end approach not only enhances efficiency but also reduces costs and ensures timely project completion.
For contractors, BRKZ’s platform offers a free posting service, with revenues generated from suppliers who pay a commission for orders received through the platform. This model has proven highly attractive to contractors who have historically struggled with identifying reliable suppliers and comparing prices. By leveraging technology to create a more transparent and competitive marketplace, BRKZ is empowering contractors to make informed decisions and improve their overall operations.
Rapid Growth and Market Adoption
Since its launch in 2022, BRKZ has experienced remarkable growth, with the platform now supporting over 1,100 suppliers, 500 transport providers, and an average of 250 active contractors each month. The company’s revenues grew fourfold in 2024, a testament to the strong adoption of its platform. To put this growth into perspective, BRKZ facilitated the delivery of 8.25 million blocks—equivalent to three Pyramids of Giza—and over 40,000 tons of steel, matching the amount used in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. These impressive numbers highlight the platform’s impact on the construction sector and its ability to scale in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development plans.
BRKZ’s success is not just about the numbers; it’s also about the value it delivers to its users. Contractors using the platform have reported significant improvements in their ability to meet tight deadlines and exceed customer expectations. Tamer Salah, CEO of AlMimar AlAraby, a contracting firm that leverages BRKZ’s platform, shared his experience: “The platform has made it easier to manage orders and get automated updates on their status. It’s been a game-changer for our business.” Such testimonials underscore the platform’s ability to address real-world challenges and deliver tangible benefits to its users.
Investor Confidence in BRKZ’s Vision
BRKZ’s investor base reflects the widespread confidence in its vision and potential. The company’s Series A investors include prominent names such as BECO Capital, Aramco’s Waed, 9900 Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures, RZM Investment, Class 5 Global, MISY Ventures, Knollwood Investment Advisory, and Fluent Ventures. These investors are drawn to BRKZ’s unique position at the intersection of technology and construction, a sector that is both foundational to Vision 2030 and ripe for innovation.
Dany Farha, co-founder and managing partner at BECO Capital, commented on BRKZ’s potential: “The construction industry is foundational to Vision 2030 and is ripe for technology and organizational optimization. The BRKZ team has executed its product and operational roadmap to drive efficiencies in this rapidly scaling sector.” This sentiment is echoed by other investors who see BRKZ as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure ambitions.
Expansion and Innovation on the Horizon
Looking ahead, BRKZ is focused on expanding its offerings and reach. The company is actively growing its financing activity, extending funding to contractors who meet its lending criteria. This move is set to further strengthen BRKZ’s position as a one-stop solution for construction professionals. Geographically, the platform is expanding to include more cities, enabling contractors to operate more widely across Saudi Arabia. Perhaps most excitingly, BRKZ is set to embark on cross-border expansion, allowing materials suppliers from countries like China and India to join the platform. This international dimension is expected to inject even more competition and diversity into the marketplace, further driving down costs and improving efficiency.
In addition to geographic expansion, BRKZ is committed to enhancing its technology and service offerings. The company plans to double down on technology development, focusing on optimizing its platform to better align with the cash flow cycles of the construction industry. This includes enhancing its buy-now-pay-later feature, which is designed to provide contractors with greater financial flexibility. With its sights set on becoming a regional—and potentially global—leader in construction procurement, BRKZ is well-positioned to capitalize on the immense opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and beyond.
BRKZ’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of technology in addressing real-world challenges. By streamlining procurement, reducing costs, and improving efficiency, the platform is not only supporting Saudi Arabia’s construction boom but also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the industry.